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Nautical Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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ASSISTANT AIRFIELD MANAGER

Coronado, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

... nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal ...

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Nautical Science information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do nautical science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nautical science in California is $47,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is nautical science a good career?

Nautical science is a viable career for individuals interested in maritime operations, navigation, and ship management. It typically requires specialized education, certifications such as STCW, and involves working onboard ships for extended periods. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and travel but also demands physical endurance and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the nautical science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nautical Science, you need a solid grasp of navigation, maritime operations, and meteorology, usually supported by a degree or diploma and relevant marine certifications (such as STCW). Proficiency with navigational instruments, radar, GPS systems, and shipboard management systems is essential. Strong leadership, decisive problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing crew and responding to dynamic maritime conditions. These skills ensure safe, efficient vessel operations and contribute to career advancement in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

What jobs can you get with nautical science?

Nautical science graduates can pursue careers as ship officers, including deck officers and navigation officers, or work in maritime administration, port management, and maritime safety. These roles typically require certifications such as STCW and involve working onboard ships or in maritime-related industries, often requiring knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and ship operations.

What is nautical science?

A Nautical Science job involves the study and application of navigation, ship operation, and maritime safety. Professionals in this field work as deck officers, navigating and managing vessels at sea. Their responsibilities include route planning, cargo handling, compliance with maritime regulations, and ensuring crew safety. These roles are crucial in the shipping, offshore, and marine industries. A career in Nautical Science typically starts with a cadetship and leads to higher ranks like Chief Officer or Captain.

What are some typical career paths for professionals with a background in nautical science?

Professionals with a background in Nautical Science often begin their careers as deck cadets or junior officers, gradually advancing to roles like Chief Officer, Captain (Master Mariner), or Harbor Pilot with further experience and certification. Many also move into shore-based positions such as ship management, marine surveying, port operations, or maritime education. Career progression is typically structured, with advancement dependent on sea service, completing higher-level competency exams, and demonstrating strong leadership abilities. This field offers a dynamic mix of shipboard and shore-based opportunities, giving ambitious professionals room for growth and specialization.

What can I do with a degree in nautical science?

A degree in nautical science prepares individuals for careers as ship officers, including roles such as deck officer, navigation officer, or marine engineer. Graduates can work on commercial ships, cruise liners, or offshore vessels, often requiring certification from maritime authorities and familiarity with navigation tools and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Nautical Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Nautical Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Nautical Science jobs in California? For Nautical Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nautical Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Nautical Science jobs in California are:
Nautical Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nautical Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

ASSISTANT AIRFIELD MANAGER

US Department of the Navy

Coronado, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as an ASSISTANT AIRFIELD MANAGER in the Operations Department, Air Operations Management Division of NB CORONADO.Qualifications:

Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Experience conducting an airfield inspection to include surveying and inspecting: all airfield lighting, pavement conditions, pavement marking and looking for violations of apron and imaginary surfaces criteria.
  • Experience being the point of contact for construction and special projects, ensuring minimal operational impact during major construction projects, negotiating phasing schedules, customer movement/placement and de-conflicting incompatible airfield Activities and communicating the limitation to aircrew.
  • Experience supervising Operations Duty Officers (ODO's) by setting objectives, evaluating work, providing direction and guidance, coordinating leave and overtime and giving input on performance appraisals.
  • Experience communicating both written and orally with management at all levels to include knowledge on how to write NOTAMS and publish airfield data in National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and other platforms for aircrew viewing.
  • Experience using good judgement when utilizing a variety of NAVFAC, NAVAIR, FAA and DOD guidelines and instructions.


Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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